Key Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Born | February 18, 1852, Nashville, Tennessee |
| Education | Central High School (1874); Union College of Law (1878) |
| Newspaper Founded | The Chicago Conservator (1878) |
| Bar Admission | Third Black attorney admitted to Illinois bar (1878) |
| Public Office | First Black Assistant State’s Attorney, Illinois (1896–1910) |
| Married to Ida B. Wells | 1895 |
| Children | Alfreda M. Barnett (Duster), Albert G. Barnett, and others |
| Died | March 11, 1936; buried at Oak Woods Cemetery |
Early Life and Education
Barnett arrived in Nashville in a nation on the brink of civil war. Although his parents were free before his birth, they moved to Windsor, Ontario, in 1859 to dodge the Fugitive Slave Act. While living in Chicago after the war, Barnett excelled in school before studying law.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Parents | Martha Brooks (freewoman) & Ferdinand Lee Barnett (blacksmith) |
| Freedom Purchased | 1852, immediately following his birth |
| Relocation to Canada | Windsor, Ontario (circa 1859) |
| Return to U.S. | Chicago, Illinois (1869) |
| High School | Central High School—Graduated 1874 |
| Law School | Union College of Law (Northwestern)—Graduated 1878 |
Journalism and Legal Career
Barnett launched his career at twenty-six by founding Chicago’s first Black newspaper: The Chicago Conservator. As editor, he wielded the press to challenge injustice, then transitioned into law to break further barriers. His appointment as Illinois’ first Black assistant state’s attorney marked a watershed moment in American jurisprudence.
| Role | Title & Focus |
|---|---|
| Newspaper Founder & Editor | The Chicago Conservator (1878–1895) |
| Bar Admission | Illinois Bar—third Black attorney (1878) |
| Assistant State’s Attorney | First Black ASA, extradition specialist (1896–1910) |
| Private Practice | Employment discrimination & criminal defense (post-1910) |
| Political Affiliation | Republican Party |
Net Worth Analysis
Like many 19th-century African American professionals, Barnett’s estate figures are unknown. He worked in media and law, but societal constraints limited his fortune. His financial situation reflects era limits, not professional status.
| Aspect | Observation |
|---|---|
| Documented Wealth | None |
| Likely Income | Modest by professional standards of his day |
| Economic Barriers | Racial discrimination limited earning potential |
| Historical Context | Late-19th/early-20th-century Black professionals |
Family and Legacy
His personal life was linked to historical individuals and movements. His first marriage to Mary Henrietta Graham led to educational breakthroughs, while his second marriage to Ida B. Wells created an activist power couple. Their children fought for justice in journalism, civil rights, and public service.
| Relationship | Name | Notability | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Wife | Mary Henrietta Graham | First Black woman UM graduate | 1876–1890 |
| Second Wife | Ida B. Wells | Anti-lynching crusader & journalist | Married 1895 |
| Daughter | Alfreda M. Barnett (Duster) | Civil rights activist & editor | 1904–1994 |
| Son | Albert Graham Barnett | City editor of the Chicago Defender | Early 20th century |
Legacy and Impact
Barnett’s influence reverberated beyond his lifetime through speeches, organizational support, and legal victories. He promoted “race unity” nationally, helped form civil rights organizations, and shaped Chicago’s African American press and court. His legacy inspired generations of Black media and legal leaders.
| Contribution | Description | Year/Period |
|---|---|---|
| Race Unity Speech | National African American men’s convention keynote | 1879 |
| Newspaper Advocacy | Platform for civil rights in Chicago | 1878–1895 |
| Legal Precedent | First Black Assistant State’s Attorney | 1896–1910 |
| Institutional Support | Early backer of NAACP and allied organizations | Early 1900s |
| Memorialization | Honored at Oak Woods Cemetery with historical marker | 1936 onward |
FAQ
When and where was Ferdinand Lee Barnett born?
Born February 18, 1852, in Nashville, Tennessee.
What newspaper did Barnett found?
He founded The Chicago Conservator in 1878, Chicago’s first Black newspaper.
He played what legal role historically?
His 1896 appointment made him Illinois’ first Black assistant state’s attorney.
Who was Ida B. Wells to him?
His second wife, anti-lynching writer Ida B. Wells, was famous.
Is his net worth known?
Due to racial obstacles, his salary was minimal and his net worth unknown.
